Herbert William Henke, 87, New Salem, ND, passed away Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Elm Crest Manor, New Salem. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on May 27, 2021 at St. Peters Lutheran Church, Hannover, with Reverend Zelwyn Heide officiating. Cremation has taken place, and a burial will be held at the Hannover Cemetery prior to the service.
Herbert was born March 30, 1934 at New Salem, the youngest of eight children, to Herman and Rosetta (Kern) Henke. He was baptized on April 29, 1934 and confirmed on April 4, 1948. He was raised and educated in New Salem and graduated from New Salem High School. He married the love of his life, Harriet Kaelberer on June 3, 1957 in New Salem. They were blessed with over 60 years of marriage and four children. He was a farmer, rancher, and bus driver for most of his life. The farm was always a place of hard work, discipline as needed, and plenty of fun. Herb was an active member of the St. Peter church family, where his steadfast love and belief in his Savior never faltered. Music truly touched Herb's soul: not only did he sing and direct in the church choir, but he could also be found singing or humming all around the farm. In his last years living in New Salem and at Elm Crest you could often find him singing and still directing whoever was playing the piano or entertaining. He believed that a life without a melody or harmony would truly be much emptier.
Herb had a passion for many sports; baseball was his favorite. He enjoyed coaching the Hannover Warriors basketball team for several years, seldom missed a Center Wildcat or New Salem Holstein sporting event, and he and Harriet were named the Outstanding Boosters for the Wildcats. Herb was active in the Lutheran Laymen's League the Center Soil Conservation, and many community choirs through the years. He also loved playing cards, especially bridge, pinochle and whist, and enjoyed reading North Dakota and baseball history. Most of all, Herb loved spending time with his family, particularly the grandchildren.
Herb is survived by two daughters, Tamara (David) Kautzman, New Salem, and Bonnie (Daniel) Haney, Washington state; two sons, Ronald (Michelle) Henke, Bismarck, and Ryan (Darby) Henke, Hannover, ND; 15 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; one sister Mildred Bueligen of New Salem and one sister-in-law, Orlene Henke.
Herbert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, and two grandchildren, Olivia and Jarad Moore; three sisters, Dorothy Hintz, Hilda Jensen and Adeline Wilkens; three brothers, Ruben Henke, Wilbert Henke and Ervin Henke, and one infant sister. He will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts. To send a flower arrangement to the family of Herbert William Henke, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.